Dev Tips… Hackathons and Meetups for Jan 2013

A couple of Geeky, Dev tips for those interested… Are you thinking about mobile yet? If not then what are you waiting for? Remember Blackberry? Well, Blackberry Dev wants to help developers port from iOS to Blackberry and has shared some details via their blog. Oh, and get this, according to the Evans Data Corporation, 13% of vendors using BlackBerry World are making over $100,000 so perhaps there’s a business model here for your business! Moving forward, I’m a HUGE fan of hackathons and feel they are an amazing, untapped opportunity for developers and startups. So, who’s up for a hackathon? A group in New Orleans has partnered up with the Super Bowl host committee to create the Codemkrs SUPER Challenge. Teams of developers will choose which app to work on from ideas submitted online. Current ideas include a real-time restaurant seating availability app; a streetcar/public transit finder for linking up with friends; a digital tip jar for performing musicians; and ask-a-local app to get local input on what to see and do in New Orleans, among others – See More here. Speaking of hackathons, if you develop geo apps then chances are good that Python is a tool for you. Well, good news as a new resource from Esri Press has hit the shelves – enter Python Scripting for ArcGIS – a must have in your tool box or on the night stand for a little late night reading! Oh, and speaking of the Esri Developer, take note that the annual DevSummit in Palm Springs is just around the corner (March 25-28) so think about making your travel plans soon! Finally, the awesome devMeEetUp gang is planning a stop in the Fort (Ft Collins, CO), you know, GIS Alley… save the date, Feb 28, and consider pitching a lightning talk at this always popular event!